AR HB1946

Requires outpatient surgery centers to report surgically related deaths and serious complications (emergency hospital transfers, cardiopulmonary resuscitation events, unscheduled hospitalizations, and surgical site deep wound infections) to the Department of Health within 3 business days

Requires surgical clinics (physician-owned medical offices and dental offices with appropriate permits) to report the same events to the Arkansas State Medical Board within 3 business days

Defines office-based surgery as any surgical or invasive procedure requiring general anesthesia, moderate sedation, or deep sedation, excluding minor procedures and those requiring only minimal sedation

Reports must include performing physician name, associated staff names, event location, patient identifying information, receiving hospital if applicable, type of surgery, date/time, and detailed event description

Establishes minimum fine of $2,500 per violation against physicians who operate surgical clinics failing to comply, with each day of noncompliance counting as a separate violation